Donald Trump warned Iran it may soon face “the hammer”, escalating pressure as fragile diplomacy struggles to prevent renewed US strikes. Speaking at an Iowa rally, Trump said he had held back only to save lives but warned Washington could eventually resume its attacks. The threat came after a tense call with Benjamin Netanyahu, who reportedly pressed Trump to strike Iran after Tuesday’s midterm elections. Iran fired back with its own warning, saying any new war could drag on longer and that Trump would not dictate how or when it ends. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he hopes the other side will exercise "rationality" and "choose diplomacy."